HC Deb 03 July 1958 vol 590 cc1571-2
33. Mr. Moss

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has received the summary of information gained in a Survey of Part-Time Courses in Agriculture, 1953 to 1956, published by the City and Guilds of London Institute; whether he has noted the criticisms contained therein and certain proposals for future progress; and if he will make a statement.

36. Mr. Willey

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make a statement on the proposals made in the Survey of Part-Time Courses in Agriculture published by the City and Guilds of London Institute.

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. J. B. Godber)

This report has been brought to the attention of the Committee under the Chairmanship of my right hon. Friend Earl De La Warr which is at present reviewing the provision of further education for agriculture made by local education authorities. My right hon. Friend must await its findings before making any statement.

Mr. Moss

Does the hon. Gentleman recollect that this report states that in the majority of counties part-time education in agriculture is now neither sufficient in quantity nor sufficiently comprehensive, and that farmers are reluctant to encourage it in spite of the changes which are taking place in agriculture, one example being given, namely, the county of Shropshire, where excellent provision is made? Ought not steps to be taken to bring the rest up to that standard?

Mr. Godber

I am aware of the points in the report to which the hon. Gentleman has called attention. These are just the reasons that the De La Warr Committee ought to examine it. Of course, it was for these and similar reasons that that particular Committee was set up.

Mr. Willey

I appreciate that we must await the advice of the De La Warr Committee, but does the Parliamentary Secretary recognise that this survey indicates that we should take a much more optimistic view of part-time education in agriculture than many people have taken hitherto?

Mr. Godber

Yes, I wish to await the full report, because there are many complications, as I know the hon. Gentleman is aware, in relation to further education in agriculture generally.